Paul W: at this point, I don’t believe that you can be taken seriously. Perhaps something will eventually change that view. But I doubt it.
Paul F: I have had similar thoughts to yours. I would like to see the entire building restored. It was designed by my family, after all. But there is already so much theatre space in Chicago…and the Uptown is VAST. The New Regal, as most people know, is now sitting idle. Aside from that, where are you going to build a modern stage? I would think it would require an underpass for Lawrence Avenue…a monumental undertaking. So I figure it’s not a bad idea to restore the grand lobby and foyers of the Uptown, then build a modern multiplex and parking deck in the auditorium shell. You could even retain design features in the multiplex. I would think some other uses, like retail could also be incorported. Now that we are talking about it, I am surprised that nobody has created such a plan to date.
Don’t get me wrong. I hope someone comes up with a viable way to make the place work as one auditorium. But I have my doubts, especially when I understand that a million-dollar donation was frittered away by the organization trying to bring the building back.
Does anybody know the full story on the current repair work being conducted at the Uptown?
An indigence motion…now THAT’S funny. Yes, where is Paul’s capital? Tied up in a vast network of restored American theatres that nobody in the preservation community has heard of?
Paul stays in business because he has the nerve to keep going out there and finding new opportunities. It would be an admirable quality were he not an apparent sociopath. But know this is true: every bad business man I have ever met got his in the end. The math is simple: the more people you jerk around, the more people there are out there who want to get you. Eventually one of them has a chance and takes it. Fortunately, Paul has never done me harm. But it seems he has blazed a trail of hatred from coast to coast.
I’m guessing that the tax ID numbers for Paul’s various enterprises lead to some interesting stories as well. The IRS is slow to figure these things out because of their vast case load. But once they do, they don’t forget about you. It very well could be the government that destroys Paul.
Took a look myself. It’s basically been gutted from the front doors to the back wall now. The marguee has been stripped down to it’s frame as well. Looks like the auditorium ceiling and the projection booth are all that’s left. Floor has been broken up, and sidewalls stripped to brick. Interesting to note that there is apparently no basement. I don’t understand why all of this had to happen, given the stated purpose of the renovation. Maybe time will tell. I hope we get a first-class venue out of the deal.
Too bad. Another classic suburban cinema, full of community memories, is gone.
Bryan: are you sure you aren’t thinking of the old Sheridan/Palacio theatre at Sheridan Road and Irving Park? That was a 2,000-plus seat theatre that sat around for many years & came down at some point in the 90’s. I am pretty sure the Pantheon came down well before 1991 rolled around.
Main dining hall of Ronny’s Steakhouse was constructed in the Randolph’s auditorium. When I ate there in the late 90’s auditorium ceiling was still intact. All sorts of strange characters in there. Festive atmosphere in this restaurant, with colored lights and an entrance to some sort of night club at rear…a remainder of what Randolph street was in the 70’s.
Brian: you make a good point on 9/13. Doesn’t make sense when stated in this way.
I am bothered by this situation. I like the way Paul says it: I am not “pro-preservation-at-any-cost.” But this auditorium is in good shape, and the building is used on a regular basis. It is, near as I can tell, a living part of the community.
It is my understanding that the nightclub disaster on the near South Side of a couple years ago caused this. I have heard that the city really clamped down on code violations & that the Copernicus Foundation couldn’t afford to upgrade.
Interesting to hear that the deco facade still exists. What about the lobby? That was chopped up, wasn’t it?
I was in Geneva today on business and stopped at the pub for lunch, after spotting the Geneva’s marquee by chance. The pub appears to take up what was once the lobby. The auditorium has been carved into two or three business units with distinct entrances. The only obvious remnant of the theatre is the marquee, which carries community event announcements. It should also be mentioned that the pub charged me $10 for a small turkey sandwich, a bag of chips and a Coke!!!
This is a fine house: great architecture and in good condition. Good luck to Onesti. I believe buildings like this can become community centers again, especially when fitted with a complete stage. It is all a matter of creating another generation of positive memories.
That is unbelievable! I saw a few movies here when it was the North Shore Cinema. I always knew that painting a theatre one shade of paint had a big effect, but I never would have guessed that it once looked that good. Makes me wonder about some other theatres I wrote off as lacking character: the Logan, and the Milford for instance.
By chance I stayed in a hotel down the street from the Boyd last month. I hope efforts to restore this building are successful. I understand that it is the last standing movie palace in Philly, and it looks like the interior is fabulous.
It is not pretentious nonsense. You guys look really out of touch with reality by having this sort of discussion. I’m sorry if you can’t see that.
But I don’t intend to start on a full on war of words here. I’ve stated my viewpoint…
…and I would sign that permit. Who cares about an old building when the city has been destroyed. You want to minimize the situation by talking like everything is getting back to normal? I would hardly say things are getting back to normal.
Go back to your discussion, if it gives you jollies: how many manuals does that organ have? Who might rebuild the console?
Listen fellas. I realize that I run the risk of looking like a trouble-maker. But, much as we all care about preservation, it is not appropriate to be talking about organ consoles in the face of such unbelievable human suffering.
Everyone knows in their heart of hearts that the theatres of New Orleans have been badly damaged, and that is a shame. I hope they can be repaired. But we aren’t going to have any real info until people are allowed back into the city on a large-scale basis. Until then, show some respect. Let’s leave it at that.
This is a new one. Looks like the same old Paul W. story: controversy, angry people, failed theatre. Looks like somebody went to jail this time. Paul: if your firm is as successful as you claim it is, I don’t understand why it takes three months to replace one faulty machine.
Good lord Paul. I’m not sitting here dreaming this stuff up. Everything I have said is based on freely-available published materials. In order to be fair to you, I never state any of it as fact. I’ve given you multiple opportunities to defend yourself, but all you do is bluster.
The people of Pittsfield have known you for a matter of months. I think plenty of community groups have believed in you for that period of time. I will be curious to see what they think of you in two years. My guess is that this will turn into yet another fiasco.
I wouldn’t call myself armchair either. I’ve told you something about my involvement with historical buildings. As usual, you seem to be saying whatever comes to mind simply for effect.
In the late 80’s I spent a lot of time photographing the remaining neighborhood theatres of Chicago. This was one of them, and it was an unfortunate story. EVERYTHING had been stripped from the building. Even the fire doors had been stolen. The retail and office block, and any theatre attraction signs were also gone. The lobby and auditorium were darkened shelters for the homeless. It looked like something from a war zone. There was an interesting old theatre, I believe called the Imperial, not far away. Seemed to be substantially intact. A picture I saw of the inside (being used as a storage facility) showed two balconies. I think it was taken down around the time the United Center was finished. Probably could have done something with that one, as the West Side has been on an upswing for the last number of years.
Church services were taking place there around 1989. The Chelten attraction sign, which carried the theatre’s name and hung from the metal structure visible in the photo posted on June 4, 2005, was still there at that time. The worship group’s name was posted where the movie names would have been. There was also a small lighted marquee (no attraction boards, just light bulbs arranged on metal), which shows in the photo above. The building appeared to be well cared for at that time, both outside and inside. Probably is a good candidate for reuse.
A man who has been accused of indiscretions with children is talking about how great it is to program youth events.
I hope you really do intend to stay off this site. Everything I have seen points to the notion that you are a dangerous and foul force within American preservation.
The Neighbor has good ideas. Get the community involved with, and excited about the theatre. The future of a building like the Wheaton Grand depends on creating a new generation of positive memories.
Paul W: at this point, I don’t believe that you can be taken seriously. Perhaps something will eventually change that view. But I doubt it.
Paul F: I have had similar thoughts to yours. I would like to see the entire building restored. It was designed by my family, after all. But there is already so much theatre space in Chicago…and the Uptown is VAST. The New Regal, as most people know, is now sitting idle. Aside from that, where are you going to build a modern stage? I would think it would require an underpass for Lawrence Avenue…a monumental undertaking. So I figure it’s not a bad idea to restore the grand lobby and foyers of the Uptown, then build a modern multiplex and parking deck in the auditorium shell. You could even retain design features in the multiplex. I would think some other uses, like retail could also be incorported. Now that we are talking about it, I am surprised that nobody has created such a plan to date.
Don’t get me wrong. I hope someone comes up with a viable way to make the place work as one auditorium. But I have my doubts, especially when I understand that a million-dollar donation was frittered away by the organization trying to bring the building back.
Does anybody know the full story on the current repair work being conducted at the Uptown?
An indigence motion…now THAT’S funny. Yes, where is Paul’s capital? Tied up in a vast network of restored American theatres that nobody in the preservation community has heard of?
Paul stays in business because he has the nerve to keep going out there and finding new opportunities. It would be an admirable quality were he not an apparent sociopath. But know this is true: every bad business man I have ever met got his in the end. The math is simple: the more people you jerk around, the more people there are out there who want to get you. Eventually one of them has a chance and takes it. Fortunately, Paul has never done me harm. But it seems he has blazed a trail of hatred from coast to coast.
I’m guessing that the tax ID numbers for Paul’s various enterprises lead to some interesting stories as well. The IRS is slow to figure these things out because of their vast case load. But once they do, they don’t forget about you. It very well could be the government that destroys Paul.
No doubt. Those THS people have class.
Interesting. I didn’t know there was once a drive-in there. Which corner was it on & when did it close up?
Took a look myself. It’s basically been gutted from the front doors to the back wall now. The marguee has been stripped down to it’s frame as well. Looks like the auditorium ceiling and the projection booth are all that’s left. Floor has been broken up, and sidewalls stripped to brick. Interesting to note that there is apparently no basement. I don’t understand why all of this had to happen, given the stated purpose of the renovation. Maybe time will tell. I hope we get a first-class venue out of the deal.
Too bad. Another classic suburban cinema, full of community memories, is gone.
Here’s how he is doing in the suburbs:
/theaters/5231/
/theaters/69/
/theaters/1712/
/theaters/5744/
Last saw this building in the late 90’s. Marquees are gone, as is vertical sign. Appeared that the building was well-maintained at that point in time.
Bryan: are you sure you aren’t thinking of the old Sheridan/Palacio theatre at Sheridan Road and Irving Park? That was a 2,000-plus seat theatre that sat around for many years & came down at some point in the 90’s. I am pretty sure the Pantheon came down well before 1991 rolled around.
Main dining hall of Ronny’s Steakhouse was constructed in the Randolph’s auditorium. When I ate there in the late 90’s auditorium ceiling was still intact. All sorts of strange characters in there. Festive atmosphere in this restaurant, with colored lights and an entrance to some sort of night club at rear…a remainder of what Randolph street was in the 70’s.
Funny thing is that I like the existing marquee and vertical more than the marquee in that 1929 picture. How often does that happen?
Brian: you make a good point on 9/13. Doesn’t make sense when stated in this way.
I am bothered by this situation. I like the way Paul says it: I am not “pro-preservation-at-any-cost.” But this auditorium is in good shape, and the building is used on a regular basis. It is, near as I can tell, a living part of the community.
It is my understanding that the nightclub disaster on the near South Side of a couple years ago caused this. I have heard that the city really clamped down on code violations & that the Copernicus Foundation couldn’t afford to upgrade.
Interesting to hear that the deco facade still exists. What about the lobby? That was chopped up, wasn’t it?
I was in Geneva today on business and stopped at the pub for lunch, after spotting the Geneva’s marquee by chance. The pub appears to take up what was once the lobby. The auditorium has been carved into two or three business units with distinct entrances. The only obvious remnant of the theatre is the marquee, which carries community event announcements. It should also be mentioned that the pub charged me $10 for a small turkey sandwich, a bag of chips and a Coke!!!
This is a fine house: great architecture and in good condition. Good luck to Onesti. I believe buildings like this can become community centers again, especially when fitted with a complete stage. It is all a matter of creating another generation of positive memories.
That is unbelievable! I saw a few movies here when it was the North Shore Cinema. I always knew that painting a theatre one shade of paint had a big effect, but I never would have guessed that it once looked that good. Makes me wonder about some other theatres I wrote off as lacking character: the Logan, and the Milford for instance.
By chance I stayed in a hotel down the street from the Boyd last month. I hope efforts to restore this building are successful. I understand that it is the last standing movie palace in Philly, and it looks like the interior is fabulous.
It is not pretentious nonsense. You guys look really out of touch with reality by having this sort of discussion. I’m sorry if you can’t see that.
But I don’t intend to start on a full on war of words here. I’ve stated my viewpoint…
…and I would sign that permit. Who cares about an old building when the city has been destroyed. You want to minimize the situation by talking like everything is getting back to normal? I would hardly say things are getting back to normal.
Go back to your discussion, if it gives you jollies: how many manuals does that organ have? Who might rebuild the console?
Listen fellas. I realize that I run the risk of looking like a trouble-maker. But, much as we all care about preservation, it is not appropriate to be talking about organ consoles in the face of such unbelievable human suffering.
Everyone knows in their heart of hearts that the theatres of New Orleans have been badly damaged, and that is a shame. I hope they can be repaired. But we aren’t going to have any real info until people are allowed back into the city on a large-scale basis. Until then, show some respect. Let’s leave it at that.
This is a new one. Looks like the same old Paul W. story: controversy, angry people, failed theatre. Looks like somebody went to jail this time. Paul: if your firm is as successful as you claim it is, I don’t understand why it takes three months to replace one faulty machine.
Good lord Paul. I’m not sitting here dreaming this stuff up. Everything I have said is based on freely-available published materials. In order to be fair to you, I never state any of it as fact. I’ve given you multiple opportunities to defend yourself, but all you do is bluster.
The people of Pittsfield have known you for a matter of months. I think plenty of community groups have believed in you for that period of time. I will be curious to see what they think of you in two years. My guess is that this will turn into yet another fiasco.
I wouldn’t call myself armchair either. I’ve told you something about my involvement with historical buildings. As usual, you seem to be saying whatever comes to mind simply for effect.
Extensive repair work is taking place on the outside of the Uptown as we speak. Does anybody know the full story?
Paul Warshauer: weren’t you ejected from the Uptown Theatre Board in disgrace? Why are you asking questions about this building?
In the late 80’s I spent a lot of time photographing the remaining neighborhood theatres of Chicago. This was one of them, and it was an unfortunate story. EVERYTHING had been stripped from the building. Even the fire doors had been stolen. The retail and office block, and any theatre attraction signs were also gone. The lobby and auditorium were darkened shelters for the homeless. It looked like something from a war zone. There was an interesting old theatre, I believe called the Imperial, not far away. Seemed to be substantially intact. A picture I saw of the inside (being used as a storage facility) showed two balconies. I think it was taken down around the time the United Center was finished. Probably could have done something with that one, as the West Side has been on an upswing for the last number of years.
Church services were taking place there around 1989. The Chelten attraction sign, which carried the theatre’s name and hung from the metal structure visible in the photo posted on June 4, 2005, was still there at that time. The worship group’s name was posted where the movie names would have been. There was also a small lighted marquee (no attraction boards, just light bulbs arranged on metal), which shows in the photo above. The building appeared to be well cared for at that time, both outside and inside. Probably is a good candidate for reuse.
A man who has been accused of indiscretions with children is talking about how great it is to program youth events.
I hope you really do intend to stay off this site. Everything I have seen points to the notion that you are a dangerous and foul force within American preservation.
The Neighbor has good ideas. Get the community involved with, and excited about the theatre. The future of a building like the Wheaton Grand depends on creating a new generation of positive memories.